Once I arrived at Jacob's garage- after getting lost a few more times- I threw the car keys at Bella who predictably dropped them on the floor with an alarmed squeal.

"Ya girl got herself a date." I hopped on top of an old car that had been abandoned in the middle of the garage since my arrival.

Jacob gave me a funny look and Bella smiled.

"Who would wanna do that?"

"That's great!"

I'll let you guess who said what. My phone vibrated, notifying me of a text. The name 'Paul' appeared on my screen and I entered my password to reveal the message.

- Does catching a movie count as a bribery?

I smiled down at my screen and Jacob snatched my source of happiness from my fingers. He read the text out loud while I clawed at his arm in a desperate attempt to retrieve my phone back. Rude!

"Bribery? Your sexting skills are lame." He gave me back my cell.

"You trying to get out the friendzone is lame." Oops.

I saw Jacob wince a little and I instantly regretted it. My bad. Sometimes I just say things before actually thinking them through. Jacob's hurt expression didn't exactly ease my conscious.

"If you need sexting lessons, I'll gladly volunteer." I winked at him to lighten the mood.

Jacob flushed and I heard Bella choke from her seat on the corner. I snickered at their priceless reactions. Jacob quickly directed his attention back to fixing the bikes to avoid any further teasing.

"So who is he?" Bella changed the subject.

"Some guy from the reservation."

That peaked Jacob's interest and I heard him stop fumbling with his tools. "What's his name?"

"None of your business." I stuck my tongue out at him and he threw a dirty rag at me, hitting me right across the face before I could dodge it. Okay I deserved that. It still didn't stop me from retributing and throwing it back at him.

"Is he nice?" Bella asked.

"No. Not really." I admitted truthfully with a smile on my face.

"Oh my god. You guys are soulmates."

"Yeah, you're kind of an asshole." Jacob admitted.

"I am what I eat." He gave me a mortified look and I burst out laughing.

We spent the rest of the afternoon, talking and laughing until it was time to head home. The sun was beginning to set and dinner was waiting, Tonight we were having leftovers from our visit to the diner the other day. I had replied to Paul's text and we agreed he'd pick me up at six. Half an hour before Charlie got home so there would be no overlap, saving me from one uncomfortable interaction.

So here I was, sitting on my bed and biting my lip nervously while going over my limited wardrobe choices. Why did I leave that cute top in Jacksonville?

"What are you doing?" I jumped at Bella's unannounced entrance.

"I don't know what to wear for tomorrow." I admitted, feeling silly that I was stressing over something so simple.

"Well I'd let you borrow something but I'm-" She bunny quoted this part, "Fashionably challenged."

She sat next to me and sighed, picking up a random article of clothing. "This is nice."

I stared at the oversized band tee. "Those are my pjs."

Bella looked embarrassed. "Sorry."

I shrugged in response and rested my head on her lap. She began untangling my hair with her gentle fingers. I had missed this. I'd never admit it to anyone but I was really hurt when Bella made the decision of staying in Forks with Charlie. It felt like she abandoned us, but now I understood. Our dad needed the company and care. It hurt just thinking about him living in this giant, empty house full of the memories from his ex-wife and children. I understood now but I missed her, and she didn't really visit often.

I had almost fallen asleep when we heard Charlie enter the house. At least we finally got to eat.

After dinner the three of us gathered around the TV in the living room and a football game was put on. Eventually I actually fell asleep which takes us to now, me alone on the sofa staring at the ceiling.

I frowned. I remember the good old days where I was carried to my room when ever I passed out in random places. I guess I was too old for that now. I stretched my limbs and mumbled a greeting to my sister who was eating cereal in the kitchen. I need a shower. A hot shower.

Thirty five minutes later and I stepped out of the bathroom with wet hair and in a towel. I almost tackled Bella in the hallway because I was running to escape the cold. This house was freezing! I closed the door of my room and turned on my heater, childishly hunching over it to absorb as much warmth as possible. My phone buzzed.

- It's supposed to be really cold. Dress warm.

I stared at Paul's message for a few seconds before typing my response with a mischievous beam.

- Damn. There goes my booty shorts.

I laughed when I saw the three dots, letting me know that he was typing. They disappeared and appeared again. Three times.

I giggled, knowing I had left him speechless and continued on with blow drying my hair. I began to feel nervous. Why would such an attractive guy ask me out? And how old was he anyways? Now that I think of it, he looked like he was twenty. Oh god, what if he thinks I'm like eighteen or something. I'm only sixteen. I'm jailbait!

I decided on watching some TV and served myself a bowl of cereal. I needed a distraction from my anxiety. It kinda worked. Bob's Burgers is magical like that. Before I knew it, it was half an hour before Paul was supposed to be here and I began to get dressed.

I settled with some jeans, and a burgundy turtleneck sweater. Bella's boots didn't exactly go with the outfit so I sacrificed them for some converse. I was probably gonna regret that later.

I applied some lipgloss and small hoops to spice things up. I didn't exactly make a great first impression. I had on a baggy hoodie and dirty sweats, so I made the decision to step up my game a little. I'm a lady goddamnit.

I guess I had zoned out while reapplying my lipgloss because Bella came in to tell me the doorbell had rung. Oh crap! Who even uses the doorbell anymore?! Just send a text. I will never understand these small town boys. I threw on a jacket and a warm hat, and bolted down the stairs. I missed the last step and ended up Hulk stomping the ground before finally standing behind the front door. I took a few seconds to get my shit together while my hand lingered on the doorknob. Be cool.

"Hi." I said breathlessly. Those stairs were no joke. Or maybe it was how pretty he looked, leaning against my door frame. I was slightly disappointed he was wearing a shirt this time.

"Hey." He smirked at me and I felt that warm feeling in my stomach again. Calm down, Clarissa. It's too soon for butterflies. "Do you want me to introduce myself to your dad or?"

"No!" That sounded harsh. "I mean. He's not home yet so there's really no need."

He seemed to accept my excuse and lead me to his car. It was a black pickup truck, a model a lot of the locals from this town tended to have. He opened the car door for me, lightly clearing his throat. He seemed a little uncomfortable, maybe because being chivalrous was a new thing for him. I appreciated the gesture anyways.

I watched him walk to his side of the door, admiring the nice and toned view. There was an awkward silence between us while we drove down an unfamiliar street and I started to second guess leaving my house at all. He didn't seem like the confident guy who was on my porch just a couple of minutes ago. Or the snarky guy who I met at the beach yesterday.

"So uhh." He finally broke the silence.

"You're not gonna ask me my favorite color are you?"

He laughed and his posture seemed to immediately relax. He was no longer gripping the wheel as tightly as before. "So have you always lived in Forks?"

"No. I'm actually just visiting my dad and sister for winter break. I haven't actually lived here since I was five."

He frowned. "So you're leaving in three weeks?" He clutched the steering wheel harder than before, his jaw clenching. I do not wish to be his teeth right now. Or his dentist.

"That's the plan. How old are you?" I quickly changed the subject. I took advantage of his focus on the road to observe his facial features. He seemed a lot older than me, especially when he was angry.

"Seventeen." Oh. "You?"

"Sixteen. You're pretty big for a seventeen year old."

"That's what she said." Was his childish reply. I smirked, maybe this date wouldn't be so bad after all.

The rest of the ride was filled with a more comfortable silence until we arrived in front of- a drive in theater. I couldn't help but feel excited and I beamed up at him.

"A drive in theater?! I've always wanted to go to one but no one would ever take me!"

Paul glanced over at me. "Really? I always thought it was kinda dorky but Embry suggested it."

I was gonna object to his dork comment but we pulled up next to the ticket booth and Paul rolled down his side of the window. "Two tickets." He pulled some money from his wallet and handed it to the girl behind the window.

"Here's your change, sir. You can park wherever you'd like and here's the audio." She handed him a small black box I assumed was a speaker. "Enjoy your movie!"

"First of all, it's not dorky. Second of all-"

"It's pretty dorky."

"Well maybe I should be here with Embry instead of you then." I crossed my arms stubbornly.

"I will kick you out this car." He threatened, pointing a giant finger at me. His smirk dropped however when a car cut in front of us, causing him to stomp on the breaks. The car lurched forward abruptly and the guy who cut us off stole our spot. "Shit!" He cursed.

Paul's hands began to tremble as he gripped the steering wheel. I could tell that poor wheel had suffered a lot of road rage abuse.

"You kind of have a temper, you know that?" I teased.

"No I don't!"

"There it is." I sang and gave him a cheeky smile. That seemed to calm him down and he smiled back at me. It wasn't one of his usual smirks, this one was more genuine. Damn he had a nice smile and it made him look his actual age. Oh look, the butterflies are back.

"What movie are we watching anyways?"

"Home Alone. Is that okay?"

"How festive of you. Didn't take you for a Christmas kinda guy." He turned his head the other direction to get a good parking angle. "More of a grinch kinda guy." The car stopped abruptly and I laughed.

"You're mean."

I bit my lip to hold in my giggles as he continued on with parking the car. It was fun teasing him. I was momentarily distracted by the giant screen projector when everything went pitch black. He was so quick, I didn't even physically see him pull down my hat to cover my eyes.

"Hey!" I slapped his hand away and took off my beanie to avoid any further harassment.

Paul laughed at me as a fixed my hectic hair. Asshole. A couple of strands got stuck on my lipgloss and I glared at him as I pulled the hairs out of the sticky substance.

"Hat hair ain't your look." Paul commented.

I tried to find something wrong with him to bully him back but found nothing. He looked dumb hot in his black tee and brown leather jacket. Screw you and your genes.

"Almost flung me out the window there, Wreck it Ralph." I snidded.

His cocky smirked dropped instantly.

"Shhhh!" I shushed him before he could give a snarky reply. "The movie is starting."

I looked curiously at him as he pulled out a paper bag from under my feet. I didn't even realize that was there the whole time. He dumped its contents between us. Chips, candy, and other snacks filled up the gap between us and I felt my mouth begin to salivate.

"Now this," I grabbed a slim Jim, "Is bribery."

"Not bad, huh? I would wanna go on a date with myself."

The movie began and the car was filled with munching. I could barely hear the actual movie through the chips I was eating but I didn't mind. I sneaked a glance at Paul, who shoved an entire twinky in his mouth. Chewed twice. And then swallowed. He turned to me and gave me a wink as if I had not just witnessed his gluttony.

xx

Once Paul had dropped me home I had a huge grin on my face when I stepped inside my house.

"Why so happy kiddo?" Charlie asked skeptically. Damn, I was caught.

He was sitting in his recliner chair, a beer in his hand and a nature documentary playing on the TV. I couldn't help but chuckle at the cliche aspect of it all.

"Because I'm home with my favorite dad in the whole world." I smiled cheekily.

"I'm your only dad." He deadpanned.

I kissed his cheek and bolted up the stairs and into my room before any further questions were asked. Charlie wasn't really the nosey type at all, which I appreciated. I still didn't want to risk it.

My ringtone echoed in my room and I quickly pulled out my phone from my back pocket and threw myself on my bed. It was too soon for Paul to call me. I stared at the familiar caller ID.

"Hello, mother." I lazily drawled out and kicked my sneakers off. They hit my floor with a lifeless thud.

"Clarissa! I miss you so much. I'm about to blow my brains out dealing with Phil's family." I could picture her pulling her hair in desperation. "But how are things over there?"

"They're really good." I answered honestly. "Bella introduced me to her friends and we just hang out sometimes."

"Wow. The tables have turnt."

I smiled. It was true. I was usually the one dragging Bella's antisocial ass out the house and introducing her to my friends. Which resulted in my guy friends hitting on her and lots of one sided flirting. Something my poor sister sucked at so it always made for an entertaining situation.

"Yeah. She's been getting better. She's still having nightmares though. It kinda freaks me out."

We both talked for another hour about Bella's process, and Christmas which was coming up in a couple of days, and how much we missed our little house in Jacksonville, and then I listened to her complain about Phil's family.

"Well goodnight sweetheart, it's getting late. And Phil's mom is taking us to the aquarium tomorrow morning." She didn't sound very ecstatic about her plans.

"Okay. Don't throw yourself in the shark tank."

"Don't give my any ideas."

And with that she hung up. I stared at the ceiling and couldn't help but replay today's events in my head over and over again.

Paul was… interesting. He had a temper, he liked to joke around a lot, and he didn't really share a lot of information about his personal life. I've never met a guy so bluntly honest before either. He was so freaking hot too. His strong jawline, high cheekbones, and blemish free skin deemed him model worthy.

Okay hormones. Relax. But honestly, if I had known his fine ass was hidden in snoozeville Forks I would have visited way more often.

I sneaked into Bella's room and 'borrowed' her laptop while she was in the shower. It wasn't my fault her account was oh so conveniently password free. And it wasn't my fault her emails were on the first tab. And it wasn't my fault I could read so I scrolled through her first couple of sent attachments. Being the younger sister it was a vital instinct to egg on the mystery.

School, Boring. Mom, Boring. Alice, bo- Alice? The name rang a familiar bell and I opened the link. There were several long messages being sent to this Alice chick. There were essay in length being sent to this Alice person. Holy shit, does Bella have a secret lesbian lover?

I skimmed through the first couple of emails until the name Edward popped up a few times.

Dear Alice,

I can't take this anymore. I miss you, all of you. Why did you leave? Why aren't you replying to any of my emails? I've visited your old house over and over again as if all of a sudden you guys will be there. It's empty and cold now, all the memories of you forgotten. As if you guys weren't real. As if I had made it all up. But i know that's not true. I keep having nightmares of Edward leaving me over and over again. It hurts too much. When I was with him, I felt so alive. He was extraordinary, you all are. Thank you for letting me be a part of your world, even if it was just for a second. Alice... if you're reading this can you tell Edward I miss him. I know what we had was real, I'm not delusional. Tell Edward I will always love him and I'm still waiting. I'll die waiting. Anyways, I hope you're reading this and please respond to me. I need an explanation.

Love always,

Bella

Alice was one of Edward's sisters. The minor detail coming back to me from a conversation I had with Charlie when Bella was hospitalized. I scrolled through the rest of the sent emails. There were twenty seven in total and not a single reply. Oh, Bella. What are you doing?

This took a little longer than I intended but I made it longer to make up for it. Clarissa's and Paul's first date :') Let me know your thoughts, comments, reviews, or whatava. I appreciate ya'll.